Using 3ds I know how to project objects onto a plane and render to texture to make a normal map that can be applied to a quad for a detailed wall but I don't know how to make a normal map for a full 3D object. I don't know if it involves unwrapping, if I need to use a plugin, or something else; I really have no clue. I've seen examples in Maya where you can make a normal map by simply selecting Transform Maps and making a few clicks, and I've seen 3ds tutorials that are 45 minutes long showing how to make a normal map. I've seen that everyone loves XNormal but that's now 64-bit only and I can't use it. Will someone please fill me in.

He uses 3DS Max, but even if he used other software you'd just have to work out the analogy (this way you can follow some great tutorials even though they're not specifically for the package you're using).

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.